Blends of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are one of the most challenging and exciting wine styles to produce. There is a synergy between these two varieties that produces some of the most complete, complex, fragrant and satisfying styles of red wine in the world. Hawke's Bay, along with parts of the California's Napa Valley, was identified by the U.K's Decanter magazine, as one of the few New World wine regions that could challenge Bordeaux in the production of such wines.

The McDonald Series wines are an expression of both their fruit and the vision of their namesake winemaker. This full-bodied wine is packed with layers of rich berry fruit, cassis and dark cacao notes, along with lifted cedar and thyme aromas. While impressive now, the powerful yet fine-grained tannin structure ensures great longevity. This wine is unfined and unfiltered to preserve quality. Some precipitate may form with time and decanting is recommended.

A deeply coloured wine with great depth and varietal definition.

Dark & concentrated in colour, with red and purple hues. The bouquet is rich aromas of blackcurrant, mint, dark chocolate, coffee bean and earth. The Palate is plush and vibrant, the textural palate has fine tannins, and excellent persistence with fruitcake, plum & rum & raisin flavours.

Hardys VR stands for uncomplicated wines displaying true varietal character, perfect for everyday enjoyment. Hardys Varietal Range Cabernet Sauvignon is full of dark berries and plums this richly-coloured. An excellent everyday wine it suits hearty soups and slow cooked lamb making it a perfect choice for winter evenings.

Jacob's Creek Classic range offers fresh, great tasting wines across a wide selection of popular varieties and blends. Jacob's Creek Classic Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of blackcurrant and cedar spice with varietal leafy notes. On the palate the wine exhibits dark berry and cherry flavours are complemented by tight yet generous tannins and a long finish. Enjoy this wine paired with a beef fillet or a marinated roast leg of lamb.

Being finished in well-aged Irish whiskey barrels adds subtle flavours to this Cabernet Sauvignon without changing the essential characteristics of the grape.

The Cover Drive Cabernet Sauvignon, first released in 2001, has been inspired by the great cricketing history of this vineyard. The wines consistently show great line and length. The nose leads with aromas of fresh tobacco leaf, cassis, boysenberry and spice. A silk like entry on the palate with super fine, detailed tannin, ripe berried fruits, a hint of tobacco and the classic brambles of Clare Cabernet to finish.

Ironclad shows dark fruits; plums and berries, wildflowers, crushed rock, and iodine, all creating a complex and lifted aroma profile. The palate shows good density which is balanced with coastal freshness and finishes with a core of powerful tannins. A rare dominance of Merlot over Cabernet Franc gives the wine good early accessibility but clearly a wine suited to ageing.

The Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of lifted dark red fruits, plum, and blueberry with layers of vanilla and spice. A well-structured, full palate with flavours of dark berries and cherries with well-integrated and balanced spiced oak, ensuring good length of flavour.

This wine is a soft and velvety Merlot combined with the more powerful Cabernet Sauvignon grapes producing a luscious red wine. The reason this blend works so well is that the two varieties complement each other allowing a fuller flavour wine with an all round mouth feel.

The Private Bin series has been inspired by the McGuigan family tradition to always share a special family wine with their guest. The soft and velvety Merlot combined with the more powerful Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produces a luscious red wine. Deep crimson in colour with aromas of blackcurrant, mint, spiced fruit, cinnamon and vanilla flavours.